Drake Takes the Reins of Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist in a Decade

AceShowbiz –Drake is officially the most streamed artist in Spotify’s first decade of existence.

The music streaming service launched in October 2008, with bosses at the firm celebrating its 10th birthday this month. To mark the occasion executives have released lists documenting the most streamed artists since the launch.

Drake leads a male-dominated most streamed artist list, ahead of Ed Sheeran, Eminem, and The Weeknd. The first woman on the list is Rihanna in fifth, who was also the first artist to reach 1 billion streams, a milestone she reached back in 2013.

There’s no place for Beyonce Knowles and Taylor Swift in the top ten – as Taylor boycotted the service for three years before relenting last year, and Beyonce debuted her smash hit 2016 album “Lemonade” on her husband Jay-Z‘s rival firm “Tidal”.

Both did make the list of Spotify’s top ten female artists however, alongside Rihanna, Ariana, Sia Furler, Nicki Minaj, Adele, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, and Shakira.

Spotify chiefs also revealed their most streamed albums of the past decade, with Ed’s 2017 record “÷” (divide) coming out on top. Justin Bieber‘s “Purpose” takes second spot, ahead of Drake’s “Views” in third.

The “Thinking Out Loud” hitmaker also has the most played song on Spotify, as his track “Shape of You” has proved the most popular of the decade with users. Drake’s “One Dance” is listeners’ second favourite, while The Chainsmokers and Halsey‘s “Closer” is third.

Spotify bosses also released a list of the most played songs of each year, with The Killers‘ “Human” the most played in 2008, and, “Shape of You”, users’ favourite last year.